If you are like me, you will sometimes find batteries from who knows how long ago and wonder if they are still good. Drop them from 6 inches on a flat surface. If they bounce once and fall over, they're good. If they bounce more than once, they're empty.
Source: http://www.cracked.com/photoplasty_598_25-amazing-life-hacks-you-wont-believe-you-didnt-know_p2/?view=article